Following a record-breaking media rights e-auction of the world’s richest cricket league, the Indian Premier League (IPL), which sold the television and digital streaming rights for a massive INR 48,390 crores, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has boldly claimed that the league will expand further.

The BCCI is holding talks with International Cricket Council (ICC), as well as other member nations to prolong the league's window, according to Shah. Shah affirmed that the number of matches in the IPL will expand in the future, describing it as "a marquee event in the cricket calendar."

Shah told Cricbuzz: "We have been talking with our fellow Member Boards and the ICC about having a bigger dedicated window for the IPL. The IPL is a marquee event on the annual cricket calendar, and it is now only behind the NFL. The quality of cricket that you witness in IPL is world-class with senior international stars coming and playing with and against their Indian counterparts."

Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi expects league’s media rights valuation to double again in next cycle

"Not just cricketers but the IPL has some legends of the game now turning up as coaches. It is a fantastic platform and benefits everyone as the experience one gets here is priceless. There will be an increase in the number of games as we go ahead," he added.

The IPL grew from an eight-team competition to a ten-team tournament in the 15th edition of the league in 2022. Consequently, the number of matches increased from 60 to 74. The IPL is expected to have 84 or perhaps 94 games per season in the next few years.

In the media rights auction of the IPL held this week, Disney Star kept the TV rights, while Viacom18 got hold of the digital streaming rights.

(Cricbuzz inputs)